Minutes September 29, 2021

OFFICIAL MINUTES

CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 7:30 PM
Horace Greeley High School - Auditorium
and
74-855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Present:  Board of Education
    Hilary Grasso, President
    Warren Messner, Vice President
    Cailee Hwang
    Jane Kimmel Shepardson
    Victoria Bayard Tipp

Staff Members:
    Christine Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools
    Ellen Doherty, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
    Adam Pease, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
    Andrew Lennon, Assistant Superintendent for Business
    Tony Sinanis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Leadership Development
    Liisa Elsner, District Clerk
    David Hayes, Public Relations Assistant
    David Leis. Assistant Director of Technology and Communications
    Allen Kassay, Partner - PKF O'Connor Davies

Board President Hilary Grasso called for a motion to open the meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to open the meeting at 6:45 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.  Board Member Warren Messner was absent

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to appoint Christine Ackerman District Clerk Pro Tempore.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:45 pm to discuss litigation, the employment history of particular persons and to receive advice from counsel.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 4-0.

Board Member Warren Messner joined the meeting 6:58 pm.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to reconvene the public meeting at 7:50 pm.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

1.       Information Business Affairs – President Grasso began her report by noting the following:

  • She encouraged the community to attend the Chappaqua Children’s Book Fair which will be held on October 2 at the Chappaqua train station.
  • She reminded the community that HG Homecoming will be held on Friday night October 1.
  • She reminded the community that Back to School nights at the elementary level had happened and that middle school and high school Back to School nights are happening in the current week.
  • She explained that the Board of Education, at its recent retreat, had focused on the strategic questions that guide the Board throughout the school year and is in the process of revising and adding to those questions.  

1.1    President’s Report

1.1.1    Discussion of Town of New Castle’s proposed Form Based Code – President Grasso 
updated the community on the Board’s communications and interactions with the Town regarding the proposed Form Based Code.

1.2    Superintendent’s Report – Dr. Ackerman gave her community update by discussing the following:

  • District Vaccination information
  • Covid testing information regarding unvaccinated staff and students
  • Quarantine #s
  • Dr. Pease discussed the grants on the agenda
  • Mr. Lennon discussed the damage to the Greeley gym floor as a result of Hurricane Ida

Presentations:    District Performance Report / Audit Approval

2.       Committee Reports:
Audit:  The Audit Committee met on 9/21 and the internal and external audits are being approved on the agenda.
Communications:  Jane Kimmel Shepardson reported that the Committee had met and discussed goals for the year which include the creation of a “hub” on each school’s home page where all communications from that school would be housed so that memos and letters to parents can more easily be accessed.  The Committee will also work to connect with community members who no longer have children in the District and also find a way to create an alumni database.    

Public Comment Period:
We welcome public comments, and in respect for each other's time, we ask that you limit your comments to three minutes. Board members may be contacted via email or phone.  After the public comment period has been completed, Board members may have a discussion among themselves regarding comments presented.

3.      Approvals & Ratifications

3.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the September 14, 2021 Board Meeting.

3.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the Minutes of the September 23, 2021 Special Board Meeting.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to accept Items 3.1 and 3.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

4.    Recommended Action:   Personnel

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.1 as stated below.

4.1    Instructional
    
Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as a per diem substitute teacher to be employed on an “as needed” basis:

Saule Nurgaziyeva

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuals listed as per diem substitutes at the Building Specific substitute teacher rate:

Carly Mendelson – Douglas Grafflin Elementary School
Garrett Sullivan – Horace Greeley High School
Victoria Xu – Seven Bridges Middle School

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individuasl listed as paid interns at the daily rate of $85.00 for the 2021/2022 school year through the PNW BOCES Internship Program:

Marie Allan
Rieley Walsh

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that, the Board of Education hereby appoints the individual listed as student teacher, intern and/or classroom observer for the 2021/2022 school year:

Jacob Anglace

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the probationary term of English Teacher, Genevieve Julich, shall be amended to terminate on August 29, 2024, based upon receipt of proof of tenure in a New York State public school district.

Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby appoints Matthew Simone to probationary service in the Health Tenure Area effective August 30, 2021 through August 29, 2025, thereby establishing an interdisciplinary probationary appointments in the Health and Physical Education tenure areas, as recommended by the Superintendent.*

*In order to be granted tenure the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three of the four preceding years and if the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time.

Resignation:
Mr. George Winn, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 14, 2021.

Mr. Johnny Gorton-Parker, Modified Football Head Coach, effective August 31, 2021.

Mr. Anthony Stewart, Modified Football Assistant Coach, effective August 31, 2021.

Appointment: Probationary
Mr. John Youssis, Teacher of Foreign Language, Horace Greeley High School, to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of Foreign Language, effective November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2025, subject to receipt of composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education law Section 3012-c and/or 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) proceeding years, and if the probationer receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period they shall not be eligible for tenure at that time, Step 6, B(BA+30) with Masters, $87,797, prorated.

Appointment: Teaching Assistant
Mr. George Winn, Teaching Assistant, Robert E. Bell Middle School, effective September 13, 2021, $23,591, prorated.

Ms. Cassandra Green, Teaching Assistant, Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, effective September 15, 2021, $23,591, prorated.

Ms. Jessica Cinquemani, Teaching Assistant, Seven Bridges Middle School, effective September 13, 2021, $23,591, prorated.

Appointment: Leave Replacement
Mr. Geoffrey Fischer, Leave Replacement Teacher of English, Horace Greeley High School, effective August 30, 2021 through January 21, 2022 (or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education), Step 2, B(BA+30) with Masters, $75,409, prorated.

Motioned by Hilary Grasso to approve Item 4.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Victoria Bayard Tipp.  Motion carried 5-0.

Dr. Ackerman recommended Item 4.2 as stated below. 

4.2    Non-instructional   

Resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment of Debra Love, Teacher Aide at Douglas Grafflin Elementary School, from 31.5 hours/week to 27.5 hours/week, effective October 1, 2021.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the appointment date of 
Amanda Eisner, Teacher Aide at Westorchard Elementary School, from September 15, 2021 to September 21, 2021.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes a child care leave of absence for Jenna Dallacco, Teacher Aide at Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective October 22, 2021 through March 31, 2022.  

Resignations:
Nayda Pitti, Teacher Aide (Session), Roaring Brook Elementary School, effective September 24, 2021.

Nicholas DiNapoli, Cleaner (nights), Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, effective October 1, 2021.

Catherine Bevilacqua, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, Special Education Department, effective October 14, 2021.

Angela Nannariello, Senior Office Assistant-Automated Systems, Human Resources Department, effective October 14, 2021.

Appointments:
Rachael Benz, Teacher Aide (Session), Douglas G. Grafflin Elementary School, 32.5 hours/week, $17 per hour, effective September 30, 2021. 

Catherine Bevilacqua, Secretary to the Principal, at Roaring Brook Elementary School, at a pro-rated annual salary of $57,245, Step 12 of the COSA Contract, effective October 15, 2021.

Angela Nannariello, Secretary to the Principal, at Robert E. Bell Middle School, at a pro-rated annual salary of $74,289, Step 24 of the COSA Contract, effective October 15, 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Item 4.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

5.      Recommended Action:  Other
Use of the Consent Agenda permits the Board of Education to make more effective use of its time by adopting a single motion to cover those relatively routine matters, which are included. Any member of the Board who wishes to discuss individually a particular piece of business on the Consent Agenda may so indicate and that item will be considered and voted on separately, thus preserving the right of all Board members to be heard on any issue. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following Consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools.

5.1    CSE Summaries (2021-22 School Year) reported to the Board on September 29, 2021.

5.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the recommendations of the Audit Committee to:  1) Accept the Updated Risk Assessment Report and management response covering the State mandates for the year ending June 30, 2022, and 2) Select “Roles and Responsibilities of Central Office Staff” as the intensive review areas for the 2021-22 school year.

5.3    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the external audit report and management response for year ending June 30, 2021.

5.4    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a gift in the amount of $5,500.00 from New Castle United for Youth to provide the materials necessary to support the expansion of the 9th grade physical education curriculum to include some health education components by adding CPR instruction.

5.5    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves an amended Chappaqua School Foundation InstaGrant Gift for Authentic Student Engagement & Learning Through Cultural Media, in the amount of $1,900.00, submitted by Horace Greeley High School Teachers Isabel Irizarry and Jacqueline Pallant.

5.6    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of a Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement with the Chappaqua Office Staff Association (COSA) bargaining unit regarding certain overtime pay due to a grievant.  A copy of the SMOA shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

5.7    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of the Release and Settlement Agreement involving Student Number xxxxx2, a copy of which shall be incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools be and hereby is authorized to execute such Release and Settlement Agreement on behalf of the District.

5.8    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a contract with the Summit School at Nyack for educational services for one student (#12904), effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and authorizes the Board President to execute the contract.

5.9    WHEREAS, the District owns the attached list of items which are no longer useful or necessary for school district purposes and of no value to the School District; 
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares such items to be surplus property and of no value to the School District and authorizes the disposal of such equipment in a prudent manner in accordance with law.

5.10    WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited sealed bids for Roof Replacement at Westorchard Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, the bid submissions were opened and announced publicly on August 5th, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject all bids and then rebid the project;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects all bid submissions for the Roof Replacement at Westorchard Elementary School (CCSD Bid #B2021-20), and directs the project to be rebid.

5.11    WHEREAS, the Board of Education, in accordance with Article 5-A of the General Municipal Law, invited sealed bids for Roofing Maintenance & Service; and

WHEREAS, the bid submissions were opened and announced publicly on August 5th, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in the best interests of the School District to reject all bids and then rebid the project;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, in the best interests of the School District, hereby rejects all bid submissions for Roofing Maintenance & Service (CCSD Bid #B2021-21), and directs the project to be rebid.

5.12    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute the following Change Order as a replacement for CO# HGHS GC-08 which was previously approved at the August 17, 2021 Special Board Meeting:

Change Order: Empire Core Group 011 (HGHS GC-009)
Project:  Horace Greeley High School – Elevator
Contractor:  Empire Core Group LLC
Description:  Elevator Storage Fee
Amount:  $19,040.00

5.13    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President to execute the following Change Order:

Change Order: Empire Core Group 011 (HGHS GC-008)
Project:  Horace Greeley High School – STEAM Center
Contractor:  Empire Core Group LLC
Description:  Costs to remove the existing joint reinforcing strip and reapply Tremco reinforcing strip and air barrier to the entire building exterior per the attached PCO #10 dated 8/11/21.
Amount:  $44,800.00

5.14    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $19,040.00, to cover increased costs related to Empire Core Group Change Order #HGHS GC-009, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.15    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves a purchase order increase in the amount of $44,800.00, to cover increased costs related to Empire Core Group Change Order #HGHS GC-008, and authorizes the Board President to sign the increase document.

5.16    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education herby authorizes the payment of additional monies to Campbell Engineering PC, based on additional worked required to meeting WCDOH requisites related to sub-division approval of the Zauderer property at an expense not to exceed $16,000, and authorizes the Board president to sign the increase document.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to approve Items 5.1 through 5.16 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

6.    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges the following contracts approved by the Superintendent, per Board Policy 6085 – Purchasing and Bidding:

6.1    An agreement for services with Connective Learning, LLC, for professional development services on November 2, 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge Item 6.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

7.    Facilities
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges Change Orders approved by the Superintendent per Board Resolution adopted at June 14, 2017 Board of Education meeting.

7.1    Change order HGHS-GC-010 approved by the Superintendent:
Project:  Horace Greeley High School – STEAM Center
Contractor:  Empire Core Group LLC
Description:  Credit for reduction of scope:  manhole (line item 078), Gate (line item 079) and topsoil (line item 080) per the attached PCO #12 dated 8/11/21.
Amount:  ($52,910.00)

Motioned by Jane Kimmel Shepardson to acknowledge Item 7.1 as stated above.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

8.      Financials

8.1    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report for August 2021.

8.2    BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for August 2021.

Motioned by Victoria Bayard Tipp to acknowledge receipt of Items 8.1 and 8.2 as stated above.  Seconded by Jane Kimmel Shepardson.  Motion carried 5-0.

9.      Notice of Future Meetings

Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 7:30 pm
Roaring Brook Elementary School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 7:30 pm
Westorchard Elementary School Presentation
Horace Greeley High School – Auditorium

10.       Adjournment 

Motioned by Warren Messner to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 pm.  Seconded by Hilary Grasso.  Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Liisa Elsner
District Clerk / Secretary to the Superintendent

/lke